Macao experienced its worst flooding in recent memory yesterday as peripheral effects from Typhoon Podul dumped record rainfall across the territory, forcing authorities to issue their most severe weather warning.
The Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau activated the Black Rainstorm alert – the highest in their three-tier system – at 2 pm as flooding began overwhelming streets and infrastructure. The warning remained in effect for over four hours before being lifted at 6:35 pm.
Taipa bore the heaviest impact, with residents reporting water rushing through streets “like a raging river.” Traffic ground to a halt across the area as floodwaters made roads impassable – with scenes of cars stranded along the Cotai Strip, near the Macau International Airport and various locations across Taipa. Some monitoring stations recorded over 270 millimeters of rainfall during the event.
[See more: The Ultimate Macao Typhoon Survival Guide]
Although Typhoon Podul made landfall in neighbouring Guangdong province rather than directly hitting Macao, its outer storm bands proved devastating enough to trigger widespread emergency responses. Fire services and police fielded 55 emergency calls throughout the afternoon, dealing with trapped vehicles, debris and structural damage.
Authorities report no serious injuries despite the extensive flooding and disruption. However, meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for continued heavy rainfall and possible additional flooding today as the typhoon’s influence persists over the region.
